Emma Harper
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and its investment through the whole family support third sector delivery fund. Will the cabinet secretary say more about how the delivery model will work alongside existing local partnerships?”
“Given the challenges that Christine Grahame outlined and the Scottish Government’s commitment to a just transition, how can the Government support investment in biofuels and anaerobic digestion to reduce reliance on heating oil and provide greener, more secure energy for rural industries such as those in Dumfries and Galloway and the Bord…”
“That is why there is so much emphasis placed in the action plan on whole family support. It is about giving support to families where and when they need it and delivering it in a way that is right for communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Emma Harper on how we can take that forward in the south of Scotland and elsewhere.”
“However, the barriers are not only physical, but also cultural: we heard consistent evidence of negative attitudes from boys, girls being sidelined in physical education and playgrounds being dominated by boys’ activities.”
“As a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, I had the privilege of contributing to our inquiry on female participation in sport and physical activity. What we heard was clear. Although the benefits of sport are universal, access to those benefits is not.”
“Her work has never been about making short-term headlines; it has been about achieving long-term change founded on compassion and justice. During this parliamentary session, Christine introduced her member’s bill, the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which strengthened protections for animals and built on years of advocacy on issues such…”
The complete record
Every one of 631 lines we hold for Emma Harper, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 13.
“That is why there is so much emphasis placed in the action plan on whole family support. It is about giving support to families where and when they need it and delivering it in a way that is right for communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Emma Harper on how we can take that forward in the south of Scotland and elsewhere. Adult Disability Payment (Mental and Behavioural Disorders) 2.”
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and its investment through the whole family support third sector delivery fund. Will the cabinet secretary say more about how the delivery model will work alongside existing local partnerships? In particular, will the Government consider ensuring that there are locally led, place- based approaches in the delivery model for the fund, such as those in Dumfries and Galloway, so that local partnerships can be supported to ensure the best possible outcomes for families? Shirley-Anne Somerville: It is important that we learn from the good practice that is happening across Scotland. Emma Harper rightly pointed to some examples in her area of how important place-based approaches are, because local communities know what is needed most.”
“Given the challenges that Christine Grahame outlined and the Scottish Government’s commitment to a just transition, how can the Government support investment in biofuels and anaerobic digestion to reduce reliance on heating oil and provide greener, more secure energy for rural industries such as those in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders? Jim Fairlie: We want to encourage new innovative techniques, but, as Emma Harper knows, the energy system is reserved. We need to look at how we can make ourselves far more resilient through using our own fuel in Scotland, and there are a number of ways in which we can do that.”
“I wanted to be clear that there is no contradiction in producing high-quality food in a way that delivers for climate and nature at the same time. I recognise the potential role of bio-energy to reduce emissions in rural areas, contribute to the circular economy and improve the bottom line for farm businesses. In order to realise the potential in the sector, we need action from the UK Government and engagement with Westminster colleagues as they consider policy options for the next iteration of the green gas support scheme. The current scheme is due to end in two years’ time.”
“I welcome the climate change plan and its focus on a fair and just transition. Given the importance of rural economies, can the cabinet secretary outline how the plan will support regions such as Dumfries and Galloway through, for instance, the dairy sector, with technologies such as biogas, while also strengthening Scotland’s long-term food security? Gillian Martin: Emma Harper has a long- standing interest in biofuels, biogas, the circular economy and anaerobic digestion; I thank her for the spotlight that she has shone on them. The plan ensures that the agriculture sector, including in Dumfries and Galloway, has the necessary support to deliver the emissions reduction required and the nature restoration opportunities that will improve overall farm sustainability. We want to produce more of our own food sustainably.”
“When we work together—the Scottish Government, the justice agencies, Police Scotland and the many dedicated animal welfare organisations—we can build a system that offers the strongest possible protection for Scotland’s animals. It is vital that we continue to do so, inspired by the work of Christine Grahame MSP. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Jim Fairlie to wind up the debate. 11:27”
“More than once, we have found ourselves speaking at short notice in response to the lodging of motions on challenging issues by Opposition members. In those moments, Christine’s calm and measured approach, sharp thinking and wit have made those tasks much easier. As we debate how to strengthen sentencing, improve consistency and better protect animals across Scotland, it is only right that we recognise the foundations that have been laid by Christine Grahame. Her contribution over 27 years has changed Scotland for the better and will continue to influence policy long after her time in the Parliament. I fully support the calls in the motion for clearer sentencing guidance, improved consistency across the justice system and stronger enforcement to prevent repeat offending.”
“Her work has never been about making short-term headlines; it has been about achieving long-term change founded on compassion and justice. During this parliamentary session, Christine introduced her member’s bill, the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which strengthened protections for animals and built on years of advocacy on issues such as puppy farming, cat and dog welfare, wildlife protection and tougher penalties for cruelty. The issue of puppy trafficking is a shared concern. It was one of the first issues that I addressed when I was elected 10 years ago, because puppies continue to be trafficked through the port of Cairnryan. Christine has always been generous in providing me with guidance, which has sometimes been very direct and always sound, and supporting me in navigating the complex aspects of parliamentary work.”
“That is in the interests of animal welfare organisations, police officers, local authorities and, ultimately, the public. Although today’s motion rightly focuses on the future direction of policy, I also want to highlight the contribution of someone whose commitment to animal welfare has shaped this Parliament for nearly three decades: my friend and colleague Christine Grahame. I feel as though I am at the coo’s tail, though, because everybody has done an excellent job of describing her work. Christine has served in Parliament since 1999, where she has been one of the most consistent, passionate and influential voices for animal welfare. By leading campaigns, championing reforms and scrutinising legislation with determination, she has made a tangible difference to animals across Scotland.”
“When penalties are capped or guidance is unclear, justice cannot always be delivered in a way that matches public expectations or the seriousness of a crime. Strengthening sentencing is not about being punitive for its own sake; it is about proportionality, consistency and, above all, better protection for animals and the public. Clearer guidance and greater awareness of existing powers would support more robust and consistent decision making across Scotland’s courts. That is why calls for improved monitoring of disqualification orders are so important. A national animal offenders register, which would allow agencies to share information more effectively, deserves consideration. If someone has demonstrated that they are a risk to animals, the system must be equipped to prevent reoffending.”
“I am really chuffed to speak in support of today’s motion, which recognises the serious harm that is caused by animal cruelty, neglect and illegal breeding. Across Scotland, including in the South Scotland region, which I represent, people care deeply about the welfare of pets, farm animals and wildlife, yet we continue to have cases in which cruelty goes unpunished or sentencing does not reflect the severity of the harm that is caused. Animal welfare organisations consistently raise concerns about inconsistencies in sentencing, the limitations of cases being dealt with under summary procedure and the lack of specific sentencing guidelines under the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020.”
“It means designing systems that work for women and girls, not expecting them to fit into systems that were never built with them in mind, and tackling cultural barriers as well as practical ones. If we get that right, we will not only improve participation but also improve health, strengthen our communities and unlock Scotland’s full potential. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise members that, given the number of members who still wish to speak in the debate, I am minded to accept a motion under rule 8.14.3 that the debate be extended by up to 30 minutes. Motion moved, That, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended by up to 30 minutes.—[Brian Whittle] Motion agreed to. 10:43”
“It is a social enterprise that has broadened its community involvement over 14 years to now include programmes such as let’s get mentored, let’s get training, let’s get heard, let’s get driving, let’s get ready and let’s get employed. There is a real community initiative going on there. We cannot ignore the impact of cost. Fees rise when access to facilities is limited and, when equipment is expensive, participation becomes a privilege rather than something that everyone can enjoy. If we are serious about sport as a force for good, access must be genuinely universal; for sport to realise its full potential as a force for good, it must be a force for everyone.”
“I have a wee shout-out here: Mr Carson mentioned the St Cuthbert Wanderers’ walking football group in Kirkcudbright; I had the joy to participate and play there. There is also a walking football group in Stranraer, which invited me to join in on a game. Although I did not score any goals, Presiding Officer, I was credited with a couple of assists. The commitment to increase investment in sport and physical activity to £100 million a year provides a strong foundation to build on. Elena Whitham mentioned community—I want to give another wee shout-out. I welcome the fact that the minister visited Let’s Get Sporty in Dumfries last November.”
“However, the barriers are not only physical, but also cultural: we heard consistent evidence of negative attitudes from boys, girls being sidelined in physical education and playgrounds being dominated by boys’ activities. Those experiences matter, because they shape whether a young person feels that sport is for them, and that feeling can last a lifetime. Even when girls stay involved, they are often offered a narrower range of activities, which are still shaped by outdated assumptions about what girls will or should enjoy. However, it is important to recognise that there has been progress. The Scottish Government’s women’s health plan is helping to normalise conversations about menstrual health, which is key to breaking down stigma. Programmes such as active schools are widening access and introducing girls to a broader range of sports.”
“As a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, I had the privilege of contributing to our inquiry on female participation in sport and physical activity. What we heard was clear. Although the benefits of sport are universal, access to those benefits is not. The evidence shows that a great gap in participation opens early, often around puberty, and continues into adulthood. That is not because girls and women value sport any less, but because the system too often does not work for them. For teenage girls, the barriers can be immediate. Puberty brings physical change, along with increased self-consciousness, concerns about body image and practical challenges such as managing periods. Too often, those challenges are made worse by unsuitable facilities, a lack of privacy and clothing that does not meet teenage girls’ needs.”
“I thank Brian Whittle for bringing this important debate to the chamber. Mr Whittle’s motion rightly highlights that sport and physical activity are about far more than physical health. I commend him—as others have done—on his commitment to raising those issues in Parliament over the past 10 years. I have always had respectful and positive engagement with Mr Whittle, whether in the chamber or at committee. Colleagues have also mentioned that the issues that we are highlighting relate to not only physical health, but mental wellbeing, confidence and strength in our communities. I will focus my remarks on an area where, although progress has been made, barriers still remain: the participation of women and girls in sport.”
“While Westminster parties are lurching to the right and their policies on immigration are having a catastrophic impact on Scotland’s care homes and social care sector, will the First Minister set out what further steps his Government is taking to support the sector at this time and ensure that Scotland’s care homes do not feel the brunt of Westminster’s cruel policies? The Presiding Officer: That is wide of the substantive question. Given that, I will move on. Scottish Information Commissioner (Legal Advice) 6.”
“By expanding the renewables sector and its wider supply chain, not only will we strengthen our energy independence and security, we will ensure that we are less reliant on imported fuels and on global fossil fuel markets, which we do not control. Global events dictate prices in fossil fuel markets, so protecting Scottish consumers from situations such as the one that we are currently experiencing as a result of the global crisis is a mission that this Government will continue. Police Scotland (Budget Allocation) 3.”
“Almost 40 per cent of households in Dumfries and Galloway rely on heating oil and are therefore particularly exposed to global price volatility. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, in the light of the pressures caused by international events while we are shackled to a Westminster Government that is offering an equivalent of £35 per household, it is absolutely vital that we in Scotland continue to enhance our own energy security through the development of sustainable fuels, including biofuels and renewables? Gillian Martin: It is rural areas of Scotland that have the most to gain from the development of renewables. If the SNP Scottish Government had not stayed the course in our ambition on renewable energy, electricity generation would be in a far more precarious situation than the one that we are in right now.”
“For the reasons that I have given, I urge colleagues across the chamber, whether they are for or against the bill, to consider my arguments and to please vote for my amendment 171, and for amendment 306, which is consequential.”
“Given that local government in Scotland is not famous for smooth and rapid bureaucratic processes, I am concerned about the operability of the amendment, particularly if it would apply to every patient, including those who do not have a social worker. Could the member clarify that? Fulton MacGregor: I am happy to do so. We think that, in the majority of cases, the consultant would check with social work. That would be a simple check of the records to find out whether the person is known and whether there are any safeguarding concerns. Ross Greer is right to raise that point, but we do not see that as a concern. All the social work agencies have told us that they feel that they can easily manage that in their current systems.”
“In addition, the chief executive of the Scottish Social Services Council, Maree Allison, has specifically said that amendment 171 is the most direct way to ensure that the bill aligns with existing safeguarding frameworks and avoids preventable harm. Ross Greer: I sympathise with the member’s broad desire for safeguards. However, on a point of clarification, my reading of amendment 171 is that it would require a referral even if the patient confirms that they do not have a social worker. I am not sure about the operability of that, particularly given that it would require the council to return the information within what is described as “a reasonable period”, which would be set by ministers.”
“Members may differ on the principle of assisted dying—we can hear that in the chamber—but surely we can all agree that, if the law is to exist, it must operate with the highest standards of safety, scrutiny and care. When Parliament legislates on a matter of life and death, we must do so with the full weight of our safeguarding system behind us. As Paul O’Kane mentioned, a joint briefing to MSPs that was circulated by the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers, the Scottish Association of Social Work and Social Work Scotland, states that, without support for amendment 171, the bill would not reach a minimum safe threshold from a social work perspective and would be unsafe for the people of Scotland.”
“Does Fulton MacGregor, as a social work professional himself, recognise the concerns that social workers are raising that, if his amendments are not agreed to, the social work profession would not have confidence in the legislation—not because of their stance on assisted dying itself, but because the system would be wrong? Fulton MacGregor: I thank the member for that intervention and for taking the opportunity to put on the record what he wanted to. I recognise what he said at the end of his intervention, and I will come to that. Without the safeguards that are being proposed here, we risk creating a system that overlooks the very protections that Scottish law has spent decades building up.”
“I do not mean to conduct a debate through Fulton MacGregor in response to Emma Harper’s intervention, but—[Interruption.] I do not think that this sort of barracking is very helpful, given the seriousness of the issues that we are discussing. I will not get into the debate about the Western Australian issue, because I did not raise it in the chamber. However, if we are talking about exam- level conditions for training—and all the things that Emma Harper has laid out, which she says that she has evidence of—none of that is in the bill. There is no requirement in the bill for education for professionals at any level. I would also put on the record that my amendment, which seeks to bring in mandatory training for practitioners, will potentially not be backed.”
“Does Fulton MacGregor agree and acknowledge that coercion is not taken lightly in the Western Australia model? Fulton MacGregor: I thank the member for painting a picture of the Western Australia model, and I welcome her putting that on the record. The point that I have been making in my contribution today is that coercion is a very complex area, and we have heard that across the board. I think that my amendments today would add another safeguard to the bill, and would strengthen the integrity of the process and the confidence that the public can have in it. Paul O’Kane: I agree with many of the amendments that Fulton MacGregor has lodged— indeed, I spoke to that yesterday evening.”
“Yesterday, it was mentioned in the chamber that the education on coercion that is provided in Western Australia takes five minutes and comprises a couple of PowerPoint slides. I followed that up with a former Western Australia MP, Dr Sally Talbot, who got back to me at 11.05 last night after I messaged her at 11 o’clock. She told me that Western Australia’s coercion education consists of up to 10 hours of training, including nine e‑modules. She also mentioned that those participating are already experienced doctors and that those taking the exam must achieve a 90 per cent score. I wanted to highlight that to show that coercion is taken really seriously in Australia. However, a broader issue is including the wider multidisciplinary team in that.”
“At the time of publication of the Skye house report, 99 per cent of staff had completed training in the prevention and management of violence and aggression, ensuring that they are equipped to provide safe, person-centred care to vulnerable young people. More broadly, the Scottish Government continues to invest in the training and development of the health workforce. In 2025-26, more than £31 million was provided to NHS Education for Scotland to support multidisciplinary training and workforce expansion.”
“The comprehensive training of staff working in services such as Skye house is essential to supporting patients. I ask, as a former clinical nurse educator for the NHS, how is the Scottish Government working to ensure that full staff training is a priority and that patients’ welfare is at the core of their care? Tom Arthur: As Emma Harper will appreciate, responsibility for ensuring that staff are fully and appropriately trained lies with individual NHS boards. Operational workforce decisions, including staff training, development and deployment, are matters for local determination. However, the Scottish Government is clear that boards should prioritise high-quality, comprehensive training across all services, including specialist facilities such as Skye house. Progress is being made.”
“As members go our separate ways in just a few weeks, we should all take heart that the demands of the 21st century in repairing the mistakes of the 20th century are at the top of the agenda for this Parliament and our Government, and I commend the plan to the chamber. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Stephen Kerr—you have around six minutes. 16:08”
“The south-west of Scotland could be the renewables capital of Scotland. That is only part of what we investigated in both committee inquiries. As a former operating theatre nurse, I was interested in the evidence that Professor Sir Gregor Smith presented about the progress of the green theatre programme. There have been changes in the gas that is used to deliver anaesthesia, as the gas was not good for our climate. I thank the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee clerks for their forbearance with my research on the emerging evidence around ultra- high-processed food and climate change and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee clerks for all their work supporting committee members. I also thank everybody who gave evidence to both committees. The plan is a substantial piece of work.”
“Innovators such as the Carbon Removers are not just behind the technology but are leading the way on CO2 sequestration. Net zero innovation is being supported right now through South of Scotland Enterprise—an agency that was delivered by the Scottish National Party Government and which is making a difference to the south’s economy. The Scottish Government and its agencies are investing in the innovation and jobs that will sustain our rural communities for years to come. I have touched on only a fraction of how the south is a hotbed of research, innovation and practical application of how we will hit net zero in the future. Yesterday, I highlighted the fact that the south-west of Scotland had the first offshore wind and the first onshore wind, and we have a 90-year- old hydroelectric scheme and solar arrays.”
“We know that AD, as well as solar—as Sarah Boyack mentioned—can be part of the mix of energy generation that leads to our energy security. I also spoke about that yesterday, and it is especially important given what is happening in the middle east right now. I know that AD isnae gonnae fix the whole problem, but it would be worth considering as we move forward. When I addressed the association, I highlighted the fact that although Galloway alone has just over 20 AD plants out of Scotland’s 90 or so, we have more than 500 dairy farms. That potential is being unleashed by facilities such as Crofthead Biogas near Crocketford, which is processing up to 100,000 tonnes of organic farm waste and turning it into the equivalent of 8MWh.”
“I have spoken about reducing emissions by producing and buying locally, and I note the key role that agriculture has to play in our climate journey. Yesterday, I was chuffed to be invited to provide a keynote speech at the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association Scottish conference at Dynamic Earth. The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, was also there, and was warmly welcomed by the association. Anaerobic digestion is now ready to be more mainstreamed, with small, medium and large plants available. The innovation that we are now seeing in research and development, the processing of on-farm waste and other organic matters and the delivery of renewable energy and decentralised energy networks in our rural communities cannot be overstated.”
“Unlocking that economic potential by taking action to support local production is a key example of how measures that are enacted to help the environment can also have a significant multiplier effect on our economy and our health. I hope that we see an increased emphasis on the importance of food production chains and their impact on the environment when the final climate change plan is published. Although we heard a range of evidence on the impact of ultra-high- processed foods on health and the environment, to my mind it is clear that the increased energy costs and the growing complexity of the food system that are related to UHP foods have a noticeable impact on the route to net zero. Both collectively and as individuals, we can do something to change that narrative.”
“I am proud that Scotland has a Government and a Parliament that recognise both that there is a need to address climate change and biodiversity loss, and that making the needed changes across society is crucial not only for our country and our planet but for driving innovation, prosperity and a healthier future. That latter point has been key to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s work on the plan. We heard from experts who were open and generous with their time and knowledge. The on- going work around the good food nation plan dovetails with the need to tackle climate change. Utilising, as far as possible, local food producers and agribusinesses in the public and private sectors helps to reduce emissions, means generally healthier food and keeps more money in local economies, helping to boost demand in the community.”
“I will first highlight the hugely beneficial way in which the Parliament’s committees have worked independently but coherently on how their remits interact with the draft climate change plan. The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee has been the lead committee, but seven other committees of the Parliament carried out their own inquiries and investigations, including those on which I sit—the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. That collaboration and holistic approach, working across policy areas, is a model for similar work in the next session of Parliament, not just in five years’ time, when the climate change plan is updated.”
“I welcome the cross-party commitment that we will have today, and I reaffirm my commitment to working with colleagues and communities to remove those barriers and support disabled people’s full and equal participation in Scotland’s political life. 13:05”
“The access to elected office fund, which was created by the Scottish Government and delivered by Inclusion Scotland, has shown what is possible when proper support is provided. We must continue to build on that progress. The evidence is clear that disabled people face higher levels of poverty, poorer health outcomes and barriers in employment, housing and education. Those inequalities intersect with the inequalities facing people with other protected characteristics. That alone makes the case for ensuring that people who have a disability help to shape the policies that directly affect them. Empowering disabled people strengthens our democracy and leads to fairer, more compassionate decisions.”
“Developed in co-production with disabled people’s organisations, the plan commits to building disability competence across Government and includes targeted investment to address long- standing barriers. Initiatives that are supported by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland such as strengthened mental health support, improved advice services and the Cabinet takeovers by disabled people’s organisations, the most recent of which happened in February, demonstrate a growing commitment to meaningful engagement. Representation matters deeply. Disabled people remain significantly underrepresented in elected office, not because of a lack of ability or ambition but because of the barriers that they collectively face, which need to be removed.”
“Someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or severe asthma may live each day managing breathlessness. However, because those conditions are not visible, many people feel judged, doubted or dismissed when they ask for the support that they need. The stigma stops people participating fully in society, and it prevents far too many people from considering roles in public life. Raising awareness of those challenges has been an important part of my work, whether during debates on topics such as world COPD day or world diabetes day, or through engagement with communities across my South Scotland region. However, awareness alone is not enough. We need structural change. I therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s efforts to embed disabled people’s voices into policy making, including through the disability equality plan.”
“As co-convener of the cross-party groups on diabetes and lung health, I have had the privilege of hearing directly from people managing long-term conditions, many of which are invisible and misunderstood. Their insights have shaped our understanding of the challenges that they face and the actions that are needed to tackle those challenges. That reinforces why people living with a disability or hidden conditions must be included at every stage of political and policy development. Their exclusion has real, measurable consequences. Misunderstanding continues to be one of the greatest barriers that people with hidden disabilities face. A person living with type 1 diabetes may struggle with glucose levels, which can sometimes change unpredictably. I know that because I am one of those type 1 people.”
“I welcome today’s debate. I thank Jeremy Balfour for bringing the motion, which I supported, before the Parliament. I agree with much of what he has said and I did not realise that that might be one of his last speeches in the chamber. Strengthening disabled people’s representation is not a peripheral issue. It is central to building a democratic system that works for everyone. Lived experience enriches our scrutiny, improves our legislation and ensures that policy is grounded in the reality of people’s lives. Throughout my time in the Scottish Parliament, particularly through my work on health inequalities, diabetes and lung health, I have seen at first hand how crucial lived experience is to good policy making.”
“However, I make this plea to everyone who is walking dogs in the countryside over the spring period, when lambing and calving is going on: please keep control of your dogs, keep them on a lead if possible and make sure that you stay away from breeding livestock.”
“Bob Doris’s question shows that livestock worrying is an issue not just for rural communities but for all of Scotland, urban and rural. With lambing season already in progress in many areas of Scotland, and the wee good turn in the weather this spring, the risks for livestock are at their highest. Can the minister therefore reassure my constituents that the full panoply of legal sanctions, including the powers available under the 2021 act, will be deployed by the authorities against those who ignore sensible and reasonable advice about keeping dogs under control, so that havoc is not caused to livestock in this season? Jim Fairlie: As the member knows, decisions by the judiciary on how they handle sentences are entirely up to them.”
“Such investment will continue and is part of a pipeline of wider publicly available capital projects. Given what has happened over the past 14 years of austerity, when capital budgets have been severely constrained and emergency budgets have taken capital funding out of the Scottish Government’s budget, I hope that everyone in the chamber will welcome the fact that we have been able to plan and plot a route forward, which includes the announcements that I have made today and the investment that we are making.”
“It is hugely welcome that the SNP Government is making record investment in public transport in 2026 and 2027, including the investment for Ardrossan in response to Kenneth Gibson’s request. Will the cabinet secretary expand on how the investment will be used to deliver wider ferry service improvements and port upgrades? Fiona Hyslop: In my statement, I set out a number of areas of improvement. We should emphasise that a third of the whole CalMac fleet will be replaced, but ports and harbours do not get as much attention. Work has been done to enable improvements on the Little Minch, and a series of other works are taking place in various ports. Funnily enough, Rhoda Grant did not mention the Gasay development work, which will also help, particularly on the Western Isles.”
“From my discussions thus far, I know that Professor Jay wants to ensure that the inquiry is timely and carried out at pace, while having the flexibility to investigate any areas that may come up through the inquiry process. The scope of the inquiry is important in helping to set parameters; it should not be wider than necessary or open ended, as that can have consequences both for the time taken and for the costs of conducting the inquiry more broadly.”
“It is welcome that Professor Alexis Jay, with her considerable experience and expertise from leading the inquiry into child sexual abuse in England and Wales, will chair the inquiry that was announced today. The inquiry that was held was thorough, and I note that it took seven years. Can the cabinet secretary provide clarity on timescales for the forthcoming inquiry? I can see that survivors, as well as the public, would prefer to have findings in a considerably shorter timeframe. Jenny Gilruth: I very much agree with the sentiment behind Ms Harper’s question. The timescales for an independent statutory inquiry rightly require dialogue with the independent chair, which has to take into account the draft terms of reference and the Inquiries Act 2005.”